You ever feel that weird mix of being inspired to do something but also totally drained? Impatient for results, yet totally unable to scrounge up the motivation to actually get it done? That’s where I am right now. I’ve got all these ideas for what I want to do—like finally decluttering my home and making it the peaceful, cozy space I crave. I even chose paint colors and bought a couple gallons. But the reality? Motivation is nowhere to be found when I get up each morning.
Grief has this way of acting like an anchor, doesn’t it? It’s like, you want to move forward, but everything feels so heavy. If you’re nodding along right now, let me just say: you’re not alone, and we’re going to figure this out together.
Big Dreams, Small Steps
Here’s the thing I keep trying to remind myself: I don’t have to tackle everything all at once. That cluttered closet? It’s not going anywhere. The laundry pile? It'll wait. That paint won't put itself on the walls, but it has a long enough shelf life.
So instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture, I’m focusing on what I can do. Like:
• Clearing off a single shelf.
• Tidying up just one drawer.
• Spending a few minutes folding and putting away laundry... and calling it a win.
And you know what? Those little wins can feel amazing. They’re like breadcrumbs leading me toward a bigger sense of accomplishment without the pressure of doing it all at once.
Making It Meaningful
I usually see cleaning as just a chore.... and one that I'm not fond of completing. Now, I’m trying to flip the script. It’s not going to be about tidying up for the sake of it—it’ll be about creating a space that feels good to be in. Little mindset shifts like that can make a big difference.
For example:
• Clearing off my bedside table means I have more room for my favorite book and diffuser. (Currently loving that new Vanilla Mint blend!)
• Organizing and wiping off the kitchen counter feels like making space for fresh starts each morning. It really helps to wake up to that!
When I focus on how these small changes make me feel, it doesn’t seem quite so daunting anymore. They're like little bright spots that lead to the next small change.
Energy Ebbs and Flows
I typically go to bed feeling all inspired to get up in the morning and tackle my to-do list. Some days, I wake up feeling ready to take it all on and start checking off boxes on that to-do list. But most days, just the thought of doing dishes feels monumental. That’s normal and perfectly okay. Grief compounds that very common feeling many people get.
Here’s what’s been helping me on those low-energy days:
- Start small. Maybe it’s just sorting the mail or wiping down the bathroom sink.
- Pair it with something you love. I’ll throw on a podcast or play some music while I work. (Jordan Peterson's podcast and The Teskey Brothers' music have been taking up lots of space on my playlist these days, links below.)
- Give yourself credit. Even the tiniest effort counts. Progress isn’t about speed; it’s about moving forward, no matter how slowly.
- Create a positive morning routine. Positive affirmations, a short walk outside, uplifting music, and prayer are on my short list of ways to start my day to build up some motivation momentum. Please chime in with your suggestions - I'm always looking for more ideas!
Permission to Pause
I think sometimes we forget that it’s okay to take things slow. There’s no stopwatch ticking away, no one keeping score. There are no deadlines here. The only person putting that pressure on me... is me.
So, I’ve been trying to give myself more grace—reminding myself that it’s okay to sit down and rest, to leave a task for tomorrow, or to just do nothing for a bit. We shouldn't expect to be constantly motivated and productive. At the end of the day, rest is part of the process too.
Since I've been going through this, I've got a better understanding that this isn't simply a matter of digging deep wanting it badly enough, or having the self discipline to force myself to be productive. If that was the case, all of the projects I've been inspired to do would be finished by now. There's so much more to it. I get that now.
Gentle Tips for Moving Forward
If you’re also feeling that pull to do all the things but can’t quite get there, here are a few gentle ideas:
• Set a timer. Just 10 minutes. You might be surprised at how much you can get done—and how much better you feel after. I like to go at my most-dreaded chores with the mindset that I can do anything, even this, for 10 minutes. Giving myself that permission to stop at that point is a mindset flip that makes it possible.
• Celebrate the small stuff. Cleaned one corner of the room? That’s progress! Do your happy dance!
• Create a cozy vibe. Turn on some twinkly lights, brew your favorite tea, and make your space feel inviting.
• Connect in small ways. Send a quick text to a friend or call someone you miss. Connection doesn’t have to mean big social plans.
• Say no without guilt. If you’re not feeling up for something, it’s okay to decline. Self-care is the priority right now.
Moving at Our Own Pace
The inspiration we feel? That’s a good thing. It’s a sign that we’re ready to take steps toward something better, even if it feels slow right now because motivation is scarce. Slow is just fine.
Eventually, the heaviness will lift. The anchor will loosen. And when that happens, we’ll be ready to move forward in a way that feels right for us—not rushed or forced, but peaceful and intentional.
Until then, let’s keep celebrating those small wins, giving ourselves grace, and remembering that it’s okay to take our time.
How do you balance inspiration and motivation when life feels heavy? Let me know—I’d love to hear your tips and stories.
If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.
This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.
This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.
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You’re invited to join my newsletter, Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).
This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.
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